Overview:
Often it is
tempting to share our food with the family pet, and most of
us are guilty of slipping the odd tasty morsel. If you do
indulge your cat, it is strongly advised you check out this
list which contains some common foods which are either
poisonous or have the potential to be dangerous to your cat.
This list contains common foods, but is by no means
extensive. As a rule of thumb, if in doubt, don't give it to
your cat. It may save him a great deal of pain & suffering &
you an expensive veterinarian bill.
Alcohol:
I would like
to hope that nobody would actually try giving a cat alcohol.
Alcohol can cause intoxication, gastrointestinal irritation,
respiratory distress, coma & death.
Apricot,
cherry, peach pits, almond nuts, apple seeds:
All of the
above contain cyanogenic glycosides which will result in
cyanide poisoning. This interferes with the ability of the
blood to release oxygen into the tissues, so the cat
effectively suffocates while it's blood is full of oxygen.
[1]
Avocado:
Avocado
contains a toxin known as persin. It is found in all parts
of the avocado & is toxic to most domestic animals.
The symptoms
include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea,
respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around
the tissues of the heart and even death. [1]
Citrus:
May cause
vomiting in cats.
Cooked
bones:
Cooked bones
can splinter & cause an obstruction, therefore they should
be avoided.
Chocolate,
Coffee & Tea
Chocolate
contains naturally occurring methylxanthines caffeine &
theobromine. The concentration of theobromine is much higher
than that of caffeine, but both cause toxicity in cats (and
dogs). These chemicals act as a diuretic, causing the body
to lose fluids, act as a cardiac stimulant, causing it to
race & is also a central nervous system stimulant.
All types of
chocolate should be avoided, including dark, milk, white &
cocoa powders.
Grapes &
raisins:
These have
been known to cause kidney damage. The active ingredient
hasn't been identified.
Macadamia
nuts:
Macadamia nuts
have been known to cause tremors & muscle weakness in dogs,
therefore it's best to apply caution & avoid giving them to
cats.
Milk:
While this
won't kill your cat, some cats are lactose intolerant &
drinking cow's milk will cause a tummy upset.
Weaned cats no
longer need to drink milk, however if you do want to give
your cat some milk as an occasional treat them the best
solution is to buy some cat milk from your supermarket.
Mushrooms:
There are many
types of mushrooms which are poisonous. While dogs are far
more likely to eat mushrooms than cats, it is advised you
avoid giving your cats any type of mushrooms to be on the
safe side.
Fat:
While fat
isn't toxic to cats per se, it's not healthy to routinely
feed your cat a diet high in animal fats as it will lead to
obesity. Large amounts of fat can also cause pancreatitis.
Liver:
Small amounts
of liver are fine to eat, but if fed too often it can result
in
Vitamin A toxicosis.
Onion &
Garlic:
Onions contain
sulfoxides and disulfides which damage red blood cells & can
cause haemolytic anaemia.
Be careful
when feeding your cat human foods, some people will
recommend baby food for a cat who's lost it's appetite. This
is fine, but make sure the food doesn't contain any onion,
flakes, powder etc.
Onion causes
greater problems than garlic.
Potato
(green parts & eyes):
These contain
solanine glycosides which can cause vomiting, abdominal
pain, bloody diarrhoea, nervous system stimulation,
depression, trembling, paralysis & cardiac arrest.
Salt:
Large
quantities of salt can lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
Tomato:
See potatoes.
Tuna:
This is
another food which is fine to feed as an occasional treat,
but musn't be fed regularly, as it can lead to a condition
known as
Steatitis or Yellow Fat Disease.
Yeast
dough:
This can
expand in the stomach causing bloating & discomfort.
Other foods which your cat shouldn't eat:
It is always a good idea to
check with your vet before giving your cat food which is meant
for human consumption, just to be on the safe side.
References:
[1]
Wikipedia
